Original Hampden Park Site Advertised For Lease As Community Bid Fails

The site of the original Hampden Park in Glasgow—widely recognized as the world’s first purpose-built international football stadium—has been advertised for let by City Property Glasgow, an arm’s-length property body of Glasgow City Council, as reported by BBC Scotland News and the Glasgow Times.

The Market Listing and Revenue Requirements

The property listed on the open market comprises the former Hampden Bowling Club and its clubhouse at 10 Kingsley Avenue in the Queen’s Park area. City Property Glasgow described the listing as an exciting leisure opportunity. According to the Glasgow Times, the commercial investment portfolio owned by City Property Glasgow previously leased the facility to a tenant, generating rental income before the bowling club dissolved.

City Property Glasgow stated that the property cannot be treated in the same manner as publicly owned assets. The organization relies on rental income from its commercial portfolio to service existing debt with its funder, creating an obligation to secure commercially reasonable terms for leasing or selling assets.

Community Ownership Bid Rejection and Heritage Protection

A community preservation group named First Hampden registered interest in taking over the site to preserve it as a historical asset and community hub, but their initial bid was rejected. A First Hampden spokesperson told the Glasgow Times that the bid was refused because City Property Glasgow maintained that the site possessed income-generating potential.

However, the BBC Scotland News report notes that this protection covers an area within Kingsley Gardens rather than the former bowling club site currently advertised for rent, leaving campaigners to argue that the historic football ground remains at risk.

Timeline Extensions and Assessment Criteria

First Hampden has secured funding for a feasibility study to produce a costed plan for upgrading the site under community ownership. Scottish Labour MP for Glasgow East John Grady wrote to City Property Glasgow to request an additional six months before bidding closes so the community-led bid can be completed, according to BBC Scotland News.

City Property Glasgow indicated that bids will be evaluated through a robust process. Officials stated that offers will be assessed on individual merits, including community benefits, heritage considerations, deliverability, and financial value, while emphasizing that the final outcome may not necessarily be commercial.